Boiler feed control



May 7, 1935. o. F; cARLsoN Re.l 19,558

BOILER FEED CONTROL Original Filed Feb 5. 195.1 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Mayv 7, 1935. o. F. CARLSON BOILER FEED CONTROL original Filed Feb. 5, 1931 4 sheets-sheet s May 7, 1935. Q. F. CARLSON BOILER FEED CONTROL Original Filed Feb. 5. 1931 .4 Sheets-Sheet 4 i l l 4 Mm a umm/A. I, y@ 9 x m, J m y m 5M J y A w W gn?. i 7J` M l emo-.560,"

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Reima May .7, 1935 PATENT OFFICE BOILEB. FEED CONTROL Oscar F. Carlson, Chicago, Ill., assigner of onehali to Oscar F. Carlson Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois, and one-half to Everett N. McDonnell, Chicago, Ill.

Original No. 1,934,483, dated November 7, 1933, Serial No. 513,485, February 5, 1931. Application for reissue May 9, 1934, Serial No. 724,769

39 claims.

`\'Ihe present invention relates generally to valves and more particularly to oat controlled valves by` which the height 'of liquids in vessels may be automatically regulated.

Such devices have been commonly known as feed water regulators, liquid level regulators and the like, and are commonly employed on low pressure lboilers, such as those frequently used in` steam and hot water heating plants, feed-water heaters for steam engine boilers, and other similar installations.

Generally speaking, devices of this kind usually comprise a valve interposed in the feed line leading from the source of supply to the boiler and a float or other liquid level responsive means movably mountedin a oat housing which is in communicatlon with the boiler in such a man'ner that the level of the water in the boiler and in the oat housing is the same. Operative connections between the movable float andthe valve in the feed line ofv .various kinds are provided. Heretofore it has-usually been necessary to position lthese connections directly in the iloat housing on ac- 'count of the dimculty in securing a liquid tight `packing between the float arm and the iloat housing. In addition, considerable diiiiculty has also 'been encountered inproviding a liquid tight confloat in the float chamber so that all danger of leakage is obviated. Another object of my invention is to so construct and arrange` the operating connections between the float and the valve that 4they are not exposed to the liquid either in the boiler or in the feed line so that there is little danger of these parts becoming rusty and inoper-l ative or otherwise disabled. This is quite important in that if any of the parts stick or fail to operateA there is great 'danger that the water in the boiler may become too low with consequent' injury to the boiler and considerable likelihood of `expensiverepairsl In recent years it has become quitecommon to fire boilers using electrically driven oil burners and itis in such installations that my invention finds its greatest utility. Oil burners produce a hot ame and when starting up a boiler it sometimes occurs that the rapid heating of the boiler causes foaming vor excessive agitation of the water .so that there is no detlnite liquid level therein.

Inthis case there is a danger that portions of the (ol. is'uion' I l boiler may become exposed with consequent wa ing and burning. In order to remedy this con-` dition I propose to provide my feed water regulator with means which may be used to open the electric circuit so as to thereby shut off the oil burner. y

Other objects and advantages o! my invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed discussion oi' one preferred embodiment of the same taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

, Figure l is an elevational view showing the boiler with my improved regulator mounted thereon; u Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section substantially midway of my improved regulator and showing in full lines the position of the parts when the valve in the feed line isopen and water is being passed to the boiler to raise the' liquid level therein;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view corresponding to the view shown in Figure 2 but showing the parts as they appear when the liquid level in the boiler is at the proper height and the oat and associated parts holding the feed 'valve closed. This viewalso shows an electric circuit controlling switch which is adapted to be operated when the float falls to low water position;

Figure 44 is an enlarged view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figures `5 and 6 are cross sectional views taken along the lines 5 5 and -l, respectiveLv, of Figure 2 andl looking in the direction of the arrows; I

Figure'l is an enlarged detail showing a portion of the sealing bellows in section and a part in elevation and taken along the line 'l-l of Fig- '4" Figure l1 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially along the' line Ii-II of Figure and v Figure 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional View Showing the mounting of the bellows sealing means on the supporting plate of the feed control valve.

Referring now to the drawings, the reference numeral I indicates a boiler, the type of vessel or container which I have chosen to illustrate one application of the use of my invention. Un-

derneath the boiler I. is thefurnace 2 which may be red by means of an oil burner 3 as is well known in the art. Conduits or pipe lines 4 and 5'leadrespectively from the top and bottom of the boiler I and are connected at theirI adjacent ends to my improved feed water regulator, indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1. As best shown in Figure 1, my improved regulator is disposed so as to lie substantially in a horizontal median plane which corresponds to the normal water line it is desired to maintain in the boiler. It is to be understood, of course, that this normal water line may vary in various types of boilers and that in different installations the regulator 1 may occupy relatively different positions with respect to the boiler -than the one shown in Figure 1.

The pipes 4 and 5 are connected to the regula-l tor 'I so as to substantially support the same and these pipes 4 and 5 are in communication, respectively. with the top and bottom of the float housing or chamber I3 of the regulator 1, as best shown in Figure 2. The oat housing I0 may be provided with threaded bosses Il and l2 to receive the pipes 4 and 5, respectively. The Afloat housing I3 is provided with a flanged opening I3 having the usual bolting flange I4 to which is secured, as by bolts I5, a cap or closure I3. The closure I3 is also provided with a bolting flange I1 which, for purposes of rigidity may be chan- -neled as indicated by the reference numeral I3.

A gasket 23 is secured between the closure I3 and-the float housing III so as to effect a liquid tight seal between these parts. From Figures 2 and 3 it will be noted that the closure I3 is conicalLv formed and is provided with an opening 22 of a diameter considerably smaller than the opening I3. Adjacent the opening 22 the closure I3 is provided with a number of projections or I bosses 23 which are threaded to receive cap screws 24 by which a closure plate 25 is secured to the closure I3. The plate 25 is provided with an opening 21 having a shoulder or ilange 23 extending therearound, as best shown intFigure 3.

Mounted for up and down swinging in the oat housing I3 is a iioat 33, preferably formed in the shape of a sphere of seamless copper or other desired or convenient material, and welded' or 'otherwise secured to the oat 33 is a nut member 3| by which the float 33 is threaded onto and secured to a oat arm 32. The closure plate 25 is providal with a pair of apertured ears 33. see Figure 4, upon which 'is supported the pivot pin 34. Botter keys may be employed to retain the pivot'pin 34 in proper position in the ears 33.

of water in the boiler and in the float housing I3. I have found that the most effective seal or packing which does not restrain the float from Swinin up and down but which, at the same line 42 and the. valve housing 4|.

time, effectively prevents the leakage of water and steam is one which takes the form of a flexible metal bellows, such as the one indicated in` Figures 2 and 3. This bellows or metallic packing is indicated by the reference numeral 31 and is corrugated to provide for resilient flexingv of the same. One end of the bellows 31 is secured and sealed, as by soldering, brazing, and the like, to

arm 32 and yet. being sealed at one end to the closure plate 25. and at the other end to the chamber I3 at this point.

Returning now to Figure l, it will be observed that an intermediate housing-43 is secured tok the closure I3 at one end and to the other end of the intermediate housing 43 is secured a valve housing 4 I.' Leading into the valvehousing 4I is a feed pipe 42, and leading out of the valve housing 4I is a pipe 43, actuallyforming an extension of the feed pipe 42, the pipe 43 leading intro the boiler in any known manner, as indicated by the reference numeral 44 in Figure l. If desired, a strainer 45 may be'interposed between the pipe A by-pass including a manually operated valve 43 may be installed so that when desired feed water may be directed into the boiler regardless of the position of the parts in =the regulator 1. The bypass 41 is preferably connected to pipes 42 and 43 by the usual 'elbows and Ts, as is well known in the art.

The valve housing 4I includes a partition 53 having a threaded aperture therein which re- `float arm 32, prevents all` leakage from the float ceives a valve seat member 5I, best shown in Figure 9. A plate 53 completes the valve housing 4I, and from Figure 2 it will be noted that the plate 53 is'provided with a cylindrical boss 54.

having an enlarged chamber to'receive packing 55 which surrounds and seals the valve stem 53 passing through the plate 53. Oneend of the stem 53 is received within an opening or recess 53 formed in a valve closure member 53, bestshown in Figure 9. .One end of the valve closureI 53 is tapered to conical form and the pointed end of the valve closure 53 isreceivedvinto the valve seat 5I.

vPreferably the valve closure 53 is formed of hardened stainless steel so as not to corrode and the vvalve seat member 5I is preferably formed of soft stainless steel. 'Ihe seat proper 3l of the valve member 5I may be formed by swaging s0 V as to present a surface corresponding exactly to the. tapered or conical surface of the" valve closure 53.

In order that the valve closure 53 may properly seat each time the valve is operated I contemplate loosely mounting the valve closure 53 on the stem 53 so that the closure 53 becomes substantially self-centering. As stated above, the

valve stem 53 is received within a recess or open` ing 53'in the valve closure 53. This ,end of the stem 53 is provided .with Ya relatively large opening 33 to loosely receive a pin or cotter key 34 passedv through openings in the valve closure 53.

'As shown in Figure 3, the opening or recess 53 is substantially larger than the stem 53,.and received in the bottom ofthe vopening 53 is a disc 33 against which the end of the stem 53bears.

` to obviate the necessity of forming the bottom v pivot 34 'which las .pivot pin 11 forward ing 40.

The purpose of the disc 66 is, in the rst place,

of the recess 58 exactly in correspondence with the end of the stem- 58 and, in the second place, the inherent resiliency of the disc 56 may be relied upon to yieldingly hold the valve closure 5l on the seat 6I whenythe flow of feed water through the vlve housing 4| is stopped.

I shall now describe the connections between the valve stem 55' andthe float arm k82 whereby. when the float rises and` falls in the float housing III the valve closure 59 will be caused to open and close the valve 4| in the feed water supply line. Theend of the float arm '32 extending beyond the pivot 34 is vindicated by the reference numeral 10 and-this end is pivoted by means of to a swinging link member 12 U-shaped or channel formation 13 and depending side a pivot pin 1I preferably of having Can upper surface portions 14, see Figure 6. The pivot pin 1| passes through openings in the side portions 14 and is preferably maintained in position therein by being 'riveted to the side portions as best shown in Figure 4.' i

, e swinging link member 12 is pivoted upon a swinging fulcrum or link 16 bymeans o f a pivot pin 11 passing through the side portions 14 and maintained in position therein by means of cotter keys 18. Referring more particularly to Figure 2, it will be seen that when the oat 30 rises from its full line position to theposition indicated in dotted lines-the float arm 32 will be swung in a counterclockwisedirection about the in turn will swing thev member 'l2 in a. clockwise direction about the pivot 11,- the swinging fulcrum or so thatvthe pins 34, 1| and 11 take a position substantally in a straight line as shown in Figure 3, which shows the float 30 in its upper position in full lines.

This back and Aforth movement `of the pivot pin 11 occasioned by the rise and fall of the i'loat -8Il is utilized to open and close the valve in the valve housing 4|. The end of the valve stem 56 opposite'the valve closure 59 -is threaded to adjustably receive a yoke member 89 having apertured ears 8| embracing the pivot pin 11, as best shown in Figure'4. From'this ligure it will also be lobserved that the yoke 80 is rigidly secured to the stem 56, and that the'packing 55 restrains the latter in its movement to substantially a horizontal linear displacement. The swinging fulcrum or link 16 is pivoted to the intermediate housing 48 in a slot 83 in the lower portion there`` of by means of a pivot pin 84 about link 16 and the pin 11 swings about an are andthe yoke 80 is restrained tomove in a linear direction the' apertures 85 are formed in the shape of vertically extending slots so as to accommodate the component of vertical movement experienced by the pin 11 when the swinging fulcrum 16mpivots'back and forth, the apertures or slots 85 being no vwider than the Ydiameter of the pin slot in response to the slightest displacement oi' the float 30. The side portions 14 of the swinging link member 12 are connected by a stop pn 15 which, when the oat is in the lower position, contacts with the lower side of the iloat arm -32 to limit the downward movement of the oat 30. as shown in full lines-in Figure 2.

The intermediate housing 4I! is preferably secured to'the closure I6 by means of stud bolts which the 81 passing through openings in the closure I8 and threaded into the flange 88 formed on the hous link 16 swinging the swing. Since the pin 11A 11 the stem 56 moves in the The valve' housing 4I is clamped to the other end of the housing 4D by means of set screws 90 Vthreaded through the housing 4| and into the inwardly extending radial flange 9| formed on the other end of housing 40. As best shown Vin Figures 2 and 3 the plate 53 is clamped betweenvthe housing 4I the intermediate andthe flange 8l, there being a gasket of any suitable material. interposedbetwcen the housf' ing 4I and the plate 53 to seal these parts in leak tight relation. Clamped between the plate 53 and the flange 8| is a packing abutment 84 preferably 'formed of sheet metal and having a tapered extension surrounding the cylindrical boss -54 and provided with an aperture embracing the valve stem 55. The: apertured extension is formed, as at 95, to provide an abutment shoulder against which the spring Sii bears. The other-end of the spring 96 is received within a recess lformed on the packing follower 91. The relation of the parts are s uoh that'the spring 96 is underfconsiderable tension so asv to thereby serve as means for compressing thespacking 55 to maintain the same tight relation against the stem 56 to prevent leakage of water from the valve housing 4I along the stem 56 and into the intermediate housing 40.

From the structure so`far described the operation of my improved feed water regulator is believed to be apparent. The float 30 rises and housing Ill, which liquid level by virtue vof the connections 4 and l5 is the same as or proportioned to the liquid level in the boiler I. The

and down which will, through the connections 12, 1S and 89, occasion the displacement of the valve stem 56 one way or the other, according to whether theiloat rises or falls. If the float 30 falls the valve closure 69 will be drawn away from the seat 5 I thereby establishing communication between the feed line 42 and the boiler I through the pipe line 43. Thus'w'ater from a source of supply connected to the feed pipe 42 will be directed'into the boiler I and will raise the water level therein until the cient to move the valve stem 56 to the right in Figures 2 and 3 to thereby cause the valve closure to seat against the member 5I thereby cutting off communication between the boiler and the source of supply and shutting oif the ingress Vof water.' In low pressure boilers and similar installations, the feed line 42 may be connected directly to the city mains. and this is also true in case the regulator 1 is applied to feedwater heaters which do not operate under pressure. It is to be understood, however, that my improved regulator is just asvapplicable to pressure boilers. all that is necessary is that the source ofsupply -be under a pressure sufficient to cause the water bosses |63 may be provided to receive the. screws IM and these bosses |03 serveas spacing means for spacing the closure plate lill above the lateral 7 edges of the opening |80, as best shown in Figures float arm 32 will thereby be caused to swing up float rises sufiil 6 and 10. 'I'his construction provides for the circulation of 'air through the intermediate housing so as to prevent any material heat transmission between the iioat housing Il and the valve housing II. Air can enter the intermediate housing through the lower slot 03 in which the link 16 is pivoted and can escape through the spaces I underneath the marginal portions of the removable plateIOI, see Figures 6 and 10. Thek movement of the air through the intermediate housing is thus directed into thermalrelation with respect to the connections therein.

'Ihe effect of heat 'upon raw water bearing lime or magnesia is well known in forming precipitates. A hot metal part in contact with' raw water containing such solids causes precipitation upon itself of such solids. This is a serious matter, particularlyv for"closely fitting parts such `as pivots, sliding joints or connections, or rotary parts or connections. When the degree of motion is small and the power available low, as in float operated devices, the deposit of Vscale or lime is fatal to continuous automatic operation.l The float housing of a feeder of this type must communicate with the steam space. Hence, any part in contact with the steam will be subject to large heat transmission because of the ability of condensing steam to give up much heat. A part in contact with water cannot give up heat at the same rate because the heat travel through relatively still Water is slow, water being a fairly good heat insulator.

Now it will be observed that `the mechanical frame connection between the float housing I0 and the valve housing 4| is below the water level maintained in the -oat housing I0, (see the water line in 4Figure 1), to retard the transmission of heat from the steam to the cold valve housing 4I as much as possible. 'I'his connection is also of relatively thin section and large" superficial area whereby the heat is chiefly dissipated to atmosphere before it can reach the vvalve housing 4|.y

Theoperating connections between the float arm 32 and the valve stem 56 do not permit the transmission of any appreciable heat for several reasons; iirst,theiloatarmisatalltimes substantially below water level, (see Figs. 1 and 3); next. theconnecticnisbrokenupbyaninterposed linkage which has large radiating area and relatively section-see particularly links 12 and 80. In addition, the housing I0 is arranged to permit circulation of air therethrough to carry oif heat from said connections. By the above arrangement the feed valve 4I is isolated from the heat of the oat chamber and particularly the steam therein, with the result that long continued, reliable automatic operation, is secured.

In connection with the intermediate housing another feature of importance is vto be noted. 'I'he closure plate IOI may be easily removed for' thepurposeofinspectingandoilingtheparts and connections in the intermediate housing 00 without affecting in any way the continuous operation of the feed water control, and this removable closure `plate III also serves the important function of allowing circuit controlling means to be mounted thereon when and if de- Figure 3 shows one form of a switch for controlling an electric circuit, 'nils-switch, indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral |05 may be mounted'by means, of a' base portion Il. directly on a clure plate III' exactly the same ses the lower end of which is provided with a bolt |00 threaded into the'insulating rod |01 and iixedly secured thereto in adlusted position by means of a lock nut |00. The end of the bolt |08 is adapted to be contacted by a portion of the swinging link member I2, this portion being indicated by the reference numeral IIO in. Figure 3. To accommodate this arrangement the member 12, or at least the portion I I0 thereof, is disposed adjacent the removable closure plate, whereby the actuation ofthe switch or other mechanism is greatly facilitated, In Figure the float 30 is shown in its upper position in full lines and when in this vposition the abutment portion IIO does not contact with the switch operating bolt |08. When, however, the iioat 30 falls to itslowermost position, that shown in dotted lines in Figure 3, the abutment IIO contacts the-bolt I 08 and lifts the same upwardly to open the switch |05. `It is to be understood however, that when the switch mechanism |05 is employed the bolt |00 is so` adjusted that normal variations in the level of water 'in the oat. housing I0,'causing minor oscillations of the iioat 30, will not cause the swinging link member'12 to contact with the bolt |00.. Under abnormal conditions, as whenthe boiler is foaming or when the water isbeing evaporated faster than feed water can flow in through the feed line 42-43, the float 30 will fall to its lowermost position and in doing so will throw the switch I05. f

. It is to be'notnxl that the extended portion I I0 of link 12 has greater amplitude of motion than the toggle' joint 1| This is a desirable fea- 'ture for operating the switch |05` because a definite, fairly large motion is required Ito be made to open theswitch, and must occur at the end of the'downwa'rd travel of the float 30. Any equivalentmeth'od of insuring a fairly wide amplitude'of motion for this purpose may be provided.

'Ihe switch |05 may be of any desiredcommercial orwell known form and my invention` is notconcerned with the particular type of switch mechanism employed. I have chosenhowever,

to illustrate my invention in conjunction with the switch mechanism |05 which includes a pair of contacts II2 and IIS, the contact II2 being relatively ilxed while the contact |I3l is mounted L upon an arm IM which forms one leg ofaa lever or bell cranlr pivoted at I I 5 to the switch casing and having a second arm IIB to which therodv member |01 is secured. In this particular type of switch the contacts |I2 and II3 are manually set, asby a button |20, to establish-or close an electric circuit, and when the water falls too low in the boiler the float 30 will fall, whereupon the rod |01 will be raised, thereby opening the circuit by separating the-contacts II2 and Ill.

The switch mechanism |05 may be employed to actuate any desired type of alarm, as may be' m |05 and` thereby shut oli' the oilburner l to prevent overheating or injuring the boiler I.

An1 important part of my-invention is included inthe feature of the removable plate By means of such structure my improved regulator is just as easily adapted for installations where `il the boiler is fired by means other than an oil burner, such as indicated by thev reference numeral 3 in Figure l.

When and if a boilerl provided with myA improved regulator is changed from one type of burner or heating means to another all that is necessary to do is to remove the plate ||l| and install the switch mechanism |05, in case the new installation includes an electrically driven oil burner, or in case it is desired, for any reason whatsoever, to dispense with the oil burner type of heater all that is necessary to do is to remove the switch mechanism together with the plate IM and substitute therefor the plate |9|, a mere matter of a. few minutes work. In removing or installing the switch mechanism l |65 no change whatsoever is necessary in the operating connections ,between the float 39 and the feed water valve 4|, nor is it Tnecessary to vtemporarily shut oi! the communication of the float housing Il) with the boiler |-or the communication of the valve 4| with either the conduit leading to the,

source of supply or the conduit leading to the boiler itself.

When operating without the switch mechanism |95 and its feature of automatic burner control and it is discovered that the water in the boiler is not being replenished at the proper rate all that is necessary todo is to open the valve 48 for a short period of time permitting water to flow into th'e boiler directly from the feed line 42 andby-passing the valve 4|.

In Figures 10, 11 and 12 I have fled form of packing or sealing means for the .float controlled feed valve 59. In this particular modication the important advantage is realized of having an absolutely leak tight packing, at,

the same time realizing other advantages which will be apparent from the following description. The plate 53 is not provided with a cylindrical 45' boss as the one shown at 54 in Figure 2 but has p an annular groove |3|!V in which is received a. flexible bellows or metallic packing |3| similar to but smaller thanthe bellows 31 associated with the float arm 32.4 Preferably, the bellows |3| is. seated in the groove |3|| and then secured therein in leak tight relation by i'llling the groove with solder or the like,-as best shown in Figure 12.

The valve stem 56 in this modification is quite similar to the xvalve stem shown in AFigure 2 and,v like the one there shown, has one end threaded.A however, the yoke 90 is not In this modification, rigidly secured to the valve stern 56 but is looselyi l mounted thereon. To` secure this type of mount- .ing the threaded end of the valve stem 56 is formed with a ange or head |33 turned thereon and which serves as an abutment for a collar |34 against which the yoke 99, loosely mounted on the stem 56, is received. A pair of lock nuts |35 cooperate with the anged head |33. In this manner the yoke 3B is capable of a. limited amount of rockingmovement relative to the stem 56 but is prevented from moving axially thereon. 'The threaded end of the valve stem 56'receives a cap or end plate |36 to which the other end of 7o the bellows |3| is secured by soldering, and pref- -crably the cap |35 is soldered onto the valve stem GFI shown a modi.

stem 56 so that thelatter has a looset therein. A pair of apertures |39 are formed in the plate 53 and spaced so as to provide communication between the interior of the small bellows packing |3| and the outlet side of th'e valve housing 4|. While I have shown only two of such apertures it is to be understood that more or less may be provided, and in fact they may be dispensed with if the opening |31 is made sufficiently large.

'Ihe valve closure 59 is loosely mounted onto the forward end of the valve 56 in exactly the same manner disclosed above in connection with Figure 9.

By virtue of the openings |39 and the opening |31 the bellows |3| is subjected, as indicated above, to the pressure in the valve housing 4|. An important advantage is realized from this construction in that this pressurel is operative to open the valve 59 with a snap action. This will bev understood by referring'to Figure l0. As the float valve 39 carrying the float arm 32 has fallen '.due to a lowered water level the points 34, 1|

and `11 are no longer in line with one another ing 4| acts interiorly of the bellows. |3| tending to force' the valve stem 56 toward the left in Figure l0. Since the points mentioned are lnot in line lthis force' is eilective to quickly open the valve 59 and move it away from its seat 6|.

The reverse operation is also realized, that is, when the boiler is being filled and the float 30 and its float arm 32 is gradually raised the p oints 34, 1| and 11 approach a straight line, and hence the pressure against the bellows |3| becomes increasingly ineffective -to hold the valve 59 open, whereas before the float arm approached a straight line position the pressure against the bellows I3 retarded to a certain extent the move- -mentof the valve 59. Thus at the' time that the valve 59 approaches its seat 6| the pressure onVv against the bellows' |3| is greater when the valve 59 is open than it is when it isclosed, due to the fact that the pressure in the water supply or lfeed pipe 42 somewhat greater than the pressure in the boiler and in the conduit 43. A

, While the bellows 31 and |3| are not the s'ame size it is to be observed that when the valve 53 is closed the points 34, 1| and 11 are in a straight line and therefore the pressure on one bellows tendsto offset thepressure on the other so a's to relieve the joints in the valve operating connections of any excessive lateral strain.

The bellows |3| is flexible in all directions and hence the valve stem 56 may partake of a limited amount of swinging and, as pointed out above,

the yoke -99 is also capable of a limited amount While I have described in conjunction with theV accompanying drawings the preferred vembodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the specific means shown and described but that, in fact, widely different means maybe employed in the ,practice of the broader aspects of my invention.

'.,Whatl claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A oat controlled boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a oat housing having an inlet and an outlet,` a closure for the housing, a

arm, means effecting a liquid tight seal betweensaid'ilrstand second housings, a third housing n secured to the second housing and Aprovided with uid flow control means, means operatively oonnecting the outer end of said float arm and said control means whereby` the position of the float governs the operation of said control means, and sealing, means between said second and third housings, e

2; A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination, a float housing, connections between the upper and lower parts of said housing and the boiler, a feed line connected with a source of supply and said boiler and including a valve housing, a valve in said valve housing and having a stem extending through the valve housing, an

intermediate housing connecting the float housing and the valve housing and open to atmosphere, the liquid level responsive iloat in the float housing, and connections therefrom to said valve stem including movable parts in the intermediate housing and means mounted on the last mentioned housing and supporting one of said movable parts.

3. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in comobination, afloat housing, connections between the upper and lower parts of said housing and the boiler, a feed line connected with a source of supply and said boiler and including' a valve housing. a valve in said valve housing and having a stem extending through the valve housing, an intermediate housing connecting the float housing and the valve housingand open to atmosphere, a removable cover plate on'saidintermediate'housing, a liquidflevel responsive float in the oat housing, and connections therefrom` to said valve stem. said connections including a, part pivotallymounted on the intermediate housing 4. A liquid level control mechanismcompris- .ingaoatchamberhaving'anopeningatone aide thereof with an outwardly directed ange. a oat therein, a float arm movably supporting the oat and extending at one end from the anged opening of 'the oat chamber, an intermediate a detachable cover plate` and being secured to the flange around said opening, a valve vhousing rigidly connected with the iloat chamber in spaced relation and including valve parts operable to control a iiuid line. and

connections between the valve parts and said end Lofthe float arm disposed in said intermediate housing, the detaohable'cover for the latter 'being disposed adjacent certain of said connections.l

`5. A'liquid level control mechanisnicomprising a oat chamber, ya iloattherein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at` oneend from the float chamber, an intermediate housing having a detachable cover plate and being removably secured to the oat chamber, a valve housing removably secured to the intermediate housing Yand including valve parts operable to ,control a fluid line, connections between the valve parts and'said end of the float arm, and

packing means sealing oi! the intermediate heus mediate housing secured to the float housing and e to the valve housing, operating connections between the liquid level responsive means and the stem andrjenclosed by said intermediate housing, vpacking and a packing follower for the valve stem, an abutment clamped between the valve housing and said intermediate housing, and a spring tensioned between the abutment and said packing follower.

A'1. A liquidl level control mechanism lcomprising a float chamber, a float therein, a oat arm movably supportingthe iloat and extending from the iioat chamber, an intermediate housing se cured to the iioat housing, a valve secured to said intermediate housing and including a longitudinally movable stem, a yoke Jsecured thereto and provided with vertical slots, a link member pivoted to the float arm and having pivot means received within said slots, and a link swingably supporting said link member on the intermediate housing and connected to said member to swing relatively thereto l coaxially .with said pivot means.l

8. AA liquid -level control mechanism comprisving a float chamber, a float therein, a vertically swinging oat arm movablysupporting the float and extending from the iloat chamber, an inter- .mediate housing secured to the iloathousing, a

valve secured to said intermediate housing 'and including a longitudinally movable stem, a yokev secured thereto and provided with vertical slots, a vertically swinging link member pivotally connectedto the float arm and vhaving a pivot-,pin received within said 'slots for relative vertical movement, and a horizontally swinging supporting link pivoted to the intermediate housing and to said pivot pin whereby vertical swinging of said float arm occasions longitudinal movement 01' said Stem.

9. A boiler feed regulator comprising, in combination. a o'at housing in commimication with the boiler, a feed line for conveying feed water to the boiler, a valve-in said line, a float in said housing, connections between said float and said' valve whereby the valve is controlled by the posi' tion of the float, ,an intermediate housing secured at one end to the oat housing and to the valve at' the other end and enclosingV said connections, Vand circuit controlling means mountedV on the intermediate nousingand adapted to beI in the housing and having an operating stem proiecting therethrough, packing for said stem. a spring pressed lpacking follower to maintain said packing tight, the outer end of said stembeing threaded, a yoke securedv theretov and provided -able plate on the second housing, said second housing beingy open to atmosphere, and a circuit .controlling switch mounted on said removable plate and having a switch operating rod adapted to be contacted by said abutment when the oat is in its lower position.

l1. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float housing, a iioat therein,'a'fioat arm movably supporting the float and extending from the iioat housing, an intermediate housing secured to the float housing and extending laterally therefrom, valve me'ans secured to said intermediate housing and including a longitudinally movable valve stem, connectingv means between said stern and said float arm, and means carried by the interniediate housing for guiding y said connecting means independently of said valve stem. v

12. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float housing, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the oat housing, an intermediate housing secured to the oat housing and extending laterally therefrom and having an open end, a valve housing supported from said oat housing at said end of the intermediate housing and having a valve including a longitudinally movable stem, said float and valvehousings being normally subjected to different temperatures, and connecting means between the oatarm and the longitudinally movable stem.

13. A liquid level control mechanism for boiler feeders and the like and comprising a oat housing. a tloat therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending from the float housing, a valve housing mechanically connected with the oat housing and spaced therefrom in thermally separated relation, temperature and pressure conditions within the valve housing being independent oi the temperature and pressure conditions in said float housing, valve means movably mounted in said valve housing and including a movable stem, means acting as a toggle -disposed in exposed position between said valve housing and said float housing for .connecting said iioat arm with said stem to move the same, and means providing for the circulation of air between said float and valve housings in and around said exposed connecting means.

14. A liquid level control mechanism compris- .ing a iioat chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending at y, one end from the float chamber, a valve housing including a valveadapted to control a fluid line, means maintaining said float chamber and valve housing in spaced apart relation, and means for directing a ilow of cooling medium therebetween for modifying theltransmission of heat between said chamber and housing, there being an operating connection between the oat arm and .the valve. f

15. 'A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a oat arm movably supporting the float and extending at one end from the float chamber, a valve housing Vincluding a valve adapted to control a uid line,

y with vertical slots, a link member pivoted to the means maintaining said float chamber and valve housingin spaced apart relation, connections between said valve and oat arm and extending across the space therebetween, and means pro viding for a flow of fluid between said chamber and housing in thermal relation with said connections for modifying the transmission of heat between said chamber and housing'.

16. A boiler feed regulator comprising,.in combination, a float housing, a float disposed therein having a float arm, connections between the upper and lower parts of said housing and the boiler, a feed line connected with a source of' supply and said boiler and including a. valve housing, a valve in said valve housing and having a stem extending through the valve housing, said valve seating against pressure of the feed line, a

removable closure plate carried by the float housing, and said iioatarmbeing pivoted on said plate, there beingI operative connections between said float arm and said valve stem comprising a pair of toggle links, oneof which Yis rigid withthe float arm and has angularmotlon only, the other of which has angular motion and longitudinal motion to shift the valve stem,

, 17. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a oat therein, a oat arm movably supporting the oat and extending at one end from the float chamber, an intermediate housing secured to. the float chamber, a valve housing supported by the float chamber and including valve parts operable to control a fluid line,V connections between the valve parts and the oat arm, and means comprising spaced vents providing for the circulation of air in the intermediate housing and around said connec-A tions.

I8-, A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a oat therein, a oat arm movably supporting the Ioat andextending at one end from the float chamber, an intermediate lhousing secured to the float chamber, a valve housing supported 4by the float chamber and including valve parts operable to control a fluid line, connections between they valve parts and the oat armfand means including an opening in the lower portion of the intermediate housing and vents above said lower opening, thereby providing for the circulation of air in the intermediate housing and around said connections.

19. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the float and extending fromv the float chamber, the extended end of .said float arm being disposed exterior of the iioat chamber, means carried by thevfloat chamber and providing a pivotal support for the float arm exterior of the oat chamber, separate means sealing the float arm to the chamber, a valve housing including a valve therein having a stem projecting therefrom,` means mechanically connecting said float chamber and said valve housing in rigid but thermally separated relation, and exposed connectionsl removed from both temperature and pressure conditions in either the iioat chamber or the valve housing and comprising a toggle of which said extended end of the oat arm acts as one` part thereof, the other part of the toggle being connected with said valve stem.-

20. A liquid level control mechanism comprisving a float chamber, -a tloat therein, a float arm movably supporting .the ioat and extending from the float chamber, means carried by the oat chamber and providing a. pivotal support for'the oat arm exterior of the oat chamber, separate means sealing the oat arm to the chamber, a valve housing including a valve therein having a stem projecting therefrom, means mechanicallyV 5 connecting said float chamber and said valve housing in rigid but thermally separated relation, exposed connections removed from both temperature and pressure conditions in either the oat chamber or the valve housing and compris- Y l ing a. toggle operatively connecting the float arm with said valve stem, and means also out of contactwith the interior of the valve housing for guiding said valve stem.

21. A liquid level control mechanism comprisl ing a float chamber, a float therein, a float arm movably supporting the iloat and extending from the float chamber, means carried by the float chamber and providing a pivotal support for the oat arm includinga pair of laterally spaced ears disposed outside the float chamber, a mechanical llows seal between the oat arm and the noat ch ber, a valve housing including a valve therein having a stem projecting therefrom, v a mechanical bellows seal between the valve housing and valve stem, means mechanically connecting said float chamber and said valve housing in rigid hut thermally separated relation, and exposed connections removed from both temperaturc and pressure conditions in either the float chamber or the valve housing and operatively connecting the float arm with said valve stem. f

22. A liquid level control mechanism comprising a float' chamber, a oat therein, a iloat arm 40 closure and providing a pivotal support for the extended end'otsaid float arm exterior of the float chamber, separate means sealing the float ing arm to the. chamber, a valve housing including a valve therein having a stem projecting therefrom, vmeans mechanically connecting said float chamber and said valve housing in rigid but thermally separated relation, and` exposed connections re- -moved from both temperature and pressure conditions in either the riloat chamber or the valve housing and including power multiplyingmeans operatively connecting the extendedend of said oat ann with said valve stem.

23. A liquid level control mechanism comprisf ing a oat housing having a lateral'open end, a

closure member, connected with said housing over said opening, said Afloat housing having connections at top and bottom adapted .to be coupled to the steam and to the water spaces, respectively,

*o y ot va boiler, a oat arm movably supported relative to the float housing and having a portion extendinginto the iloat housing with a oat thereon and aportion extending outside said closure, means carried" by said closure 'member y and providing a pivotal support for the float arm, c5 said means including a pair of laterally spaced ears extending outwardly of said closure alongside 'said oat arm, a mechanical bellows seal extending longitudinally o! said float arm between said laterally spaced ears and connected` with the neat arm and said closure, a second housing se'- movably supporting the iioat and extending from valve having a valve stem and a valve housing, a

@float chamber having a movable iloat, said chamber having connections adapted to be coupled to the steam and water spaces, respectively, of a boiler, a lever for the oat pivoted outside the chamber and extending loosely through a wall of the same, a laterally 'flexible `seal for the lever disposed between said wall of the oat chamber and the oat lever to allow the lever to swing about its pivot, a longitudinally flexible seal between the valve stem and the valve housing of the feed valve to allow the valve stem to move axially, a rigid connection between the valve housing and the iloat housing, and pivotal connections comprising force multiplying means between the lever and the valve stem, said pivotal connections being all disposed out 'of contact with the water in either the iloat housing or the valve -housing and serving to convert the angular motion or the lever into axial motion oi the valve stem.

25. In combination, a valve housing, a. movable valve having an operating stem extending outwardly through a wall of the valve housing, a naat housing containing aA oat, said oathousing having connections at its top and bottom adapted to be connected to the steam and water spaces. respectively, of a boiler, an arm for the oat extending out through a wall of the iloat housing and having a pivotal supporton and outside the oat housing, pivotal force multiplying connections between the lever and the valve stem.' said housings being rigidly connected together, a exible metallic seal between the oathousing and the lever permitting substantially free swinging or the lever about its pivotal support, and a flexible metallic seal between the valve housing and the valve stem permitting substantially free travel of thevalve stem, whereby thepivotal linkage is disposed entirely out of contact with the con tents of either the valve housing or the iloat hous- 26. A feed water regulator i'or boilers and the like and comprising, in combination, a iloat housing having connections atgits top and bottom adapted to be coupled to the steam and wate'rl spaces, respectively, o! a boiler and adaptedto have its interior subjectedto boiler temperatures and pressures, a oat arm vplvotally supported relative to. the ioat housing and exteriorly there-A of and having a portion extending into the float V'housing with a oat thereon and a portion extending outside said housing, uid tight sealing means comprising a laterally exible bellows secured to said no'at arm and to said housing. a valve housing rigidly supported with respect to the oat housing and provided with iluid how control means in` the form of a litt valve having a reciprocating valve stem projecting from the valve housing, said valve housing being subjectedv to feed water temperatures'and pressures, sealing means comprising a longitudinally flexible bellows between said valve stem and the valve housins, and torce multiplying means' including pivotally connected parts' extending between said float arm and said valve stem, all o! said parts being disposed out of contact with the -iluid in either the float housing or the valve housing.

27. In combination in a level controlled boiler feeder, a iloat chamber having connections cured to the ilrst housing and enclosing the adapted to be coupled-to the steam space and the outer end of the oat arm. and a device carried by said second housing' and operated by vertical movement of the outer end oi.' said oat arm.

{24.Ina-deviceoftheclassdescribed, steed water space,v respectively, vci a boiler, a valve having a housing mechanically rigid with the float chamber vbut out of `communication therewith, a float in the float chamber having a float lever raus pivoted intermediate its ends to swing anguiarly with rise and fall of the float, said lever comprising an inner arm connected to the float and an outer arm, said valve havinga valve seat and lift valve plug adapted to close the valve, a stem for moving the valve plug to and from seat, and a link between the outer ing an inner arm connected to the float housing rigidly connected arm of the lever and the valve stem, said link and arm forming a toggle, said toggle being broken by fall of the iioat below a predetermined level to open the valve and being made by rise of the floatto force the valve plug firmly against its seat.

28. In combination in a level controlled boiler a float chamber having connections adapted to be coupled-to the steam space and the water space, respectively, `of a boiler, a valve having a housing mechanically rigid with the float chamber but' out vof communication therewith, a noatin the iloatchamberhaving a oat lever pivoted intermediate its ends to swing angularly with rise and fall of the iloat, said lever comprisand an outer arm, said valve having a valve seat and valve plug adaptedito be applied to said seat to -1 close the valve, a stem for moving the valve plug to and from seat, a link between the outer arm of e lever and the valve stem, said link and 4arm orming a toggle, said toggle being broken by fall 'of the float below a predetermined level to open the valve' and being madel by rise of the float to force the valve firmly against its seat, and' a guide for the outer end of the valve stem to take up the lateral reaction .of the toggle. f

29. In combination in a level controlled boiler feed device, a iioat chamber, a valve having a fwith said chamber, a float in the chamber, a iloat'lever extending into and pivoted on the outside of said chamber, a flexible metallic bellows for sealing the lever and the chamber, said valve housing having an inlet connection adapted to be supplied withV feed water under pressure and an outlet connection adapted for connection to the boiler, a valve seat of relatively small area anda-metallic lift valveadapted to be applied to seat against the preure of the incoming feed water, and a-force multiplying connection between the 'float lever and the valve for holding the' valve closed when the-float rises above a predetermined level, said connection serving to block the valve against opening by the feed water pressure when said valv'e is closed.

30. A level controlled boiler y afloat chamber provided with steam and water connections adapted to be coupled to the steam' and water spaces of a boiler', said chamber being v subjected to the temperature of the steam in the boiler, which temperature is great enough tc- Acause precipitation 'of solids such as lime from ofi' the inflow boiler feed water, said chamber having an opening in a side thereof, au lever having a fixed pivot onY the chamber, a flexible metal bellows sealingy the lever to the edges of the opening, said bellows being of` a length to provide flexibility forfswinging move.

ment of the lever under the-action of` the float, a feed water valve having an cold water and an 'outlet connection leading' to the interior of the boiler, said v alve comprising a body, a valve seat, a Ilift valve member and a' guide for the valve member to seat, 'said valve member seating against pressure to close of water, said valve ,sea viding a restricted port o small area to the inlet waterp be applied to said seat to feeder comprising floatA inthe chamber, a f

inlet connection fork tendi connected mechanically to the oat chamber, but sufficiently isolated thermally to keep the heat transmitted from the float chamber to the valve from precipitating and depositing solids upon the valve member and valve'seat during operation of the device, and a toggle connection between the float lever and the valve for, applying the valve member to the seat against'the pressure of incoming water with a high degree of pressure when the float rises above normal level, said toggle connection being substantially straight when the float is abovey said normal level.

l3l. A level controlled boiler feeder comprising a float chamber provided withfsteam and water connections adapted` to be coupled to the to open the valve, said valve body being rigidly,

steam and water spaces respectively of a. boiler.

said chamber being subjected to the temperature of the steam in the boiler, which temperature is great enough to cause precipitation of solids such aslime from boiler feed water, said chamber having an opening in one wallthereof, a float in the chamber, a. lever pivotedupon the outside and having an arm extending into the chamber through the opening'and being coupled to the float, a flexible metal bellows connected with and vsealed to the arm at one end and sealed to the walls of the chamber at the other to provide a relatively long laterally flexible seal, a feed water valve having a body provided with an inlet connection adapted to be coupled to a source of feed water under pressure, an outlet connection adapted to be coupled to the interior of the boiler, and a valve stem opening, said valve comprising a valve seat having a port of relatively small area, a valve plug and a stem for the valve plug, guiding means for guiding the valve plug to seat, said valve plug-seating against the pressure of feed water entering through the inlet connection, said valve body b eing rigidly connected mechanically` with the oat chamber but sumciently isolated from the heat from the float chamber substantially to avoid injurious precipitation and deposit of solids such as lime from the feed water upon the valve plug, stem and seat during operation of the device, a toggle mechanism connecting said float arm and said valve stem for applying said plug to its seat against the pressure of the incoming feed water with a high degree is raised above normal level, and a relatively long, longitudinally exible metal bellows sealed at onev end to the valve stem and at the other end to the valve body about said valve stem opening.

32.' .In combination, 'a float housing having steam and water connections adapted to communicate with a boiler to be fed, and a lateral opening, a oat in said housing adapted to be inserted into the housing through said opening, a Acover for the opening, said cover having 'an opening, and pivot supporting means at the side of the opening, a float arm pivoted on said pivot supporting means and being coupled to said oat, a flexible metallic -A llows sealed to the float arm and to the margins of said opening in the cover, a feed water valve having a housing joined rigidly with said float housing, said valve housing feed water under pressure,

'seat againstpressure of the incoming feed water,

said seatproviding a port of relatively small of pressure when vthe float sealed to the stem and to the margin oi' the openals .toggle link connecting ing in the valve body, and a toggle mechanism between. said float arm and said valve'stem tor operating said valve, said iloat in tion moving the toggle mechanism to toggle made position whereby the valve plug is applied to seat against incoming i'eed water pressure with a high degree of pressure. s

33. In combination, a iloat housing having steam andv water connections adapted to comiiiunicate with a boiler a i'eed water valve having a housing joined rigidly with said iloat housing, ing having an inlet for feed sure, and an l,outlet opening water to the said valve houswater under presi'or outlet. f feed boiler andvhaving an opening for a valve seat in said body between tively small area, a valve valve plug, said mechanism between said'float arm and said valve stem for operating said valve, said iloat in high level position "toggle made .and a toggle link co` the lever and the valve stem' predetermined levelin the chamber.

35. In a device or the class described., a sont' chamber, a iloat in the chamber, a lever having iloat inside the chamj one arm connected to the .having a relatively small port therethrough, a

metal lift valve controlling sold porca stem lfor the valve extending outside the valve housing; a the toggle arm o! the level' high level Jposif dinaliy to and from its seat,

A from the oat housing to ingsteam -the toggle. Y 4

.36. In a boiler feeder, a iloat housing having a ereixl, a connectedoat lever having a and the valve stem pivot support and oat th pivot outside. the housing, a laterallyilexible bellows sealing the lever, a valve'housing rigid with the iloat housing, a lift valve in the valve housing, said valve being shli'table' longitudinally to and from itsl seat, a longitudinally ilexibl'ebellows sealing thelift valve to the valve housing, a' connection between the oat lever pivot and nected to said lever and having greater amplitude of motion than *said` toggle joint tor operating to the housing, 'from the float housing to the valve housing disposed substantially below the wateline in theiloat housing to limit the heat transmitted from the iirst to the second hous a lift valve in the valve housing, said valve being shiitable longitu an operating member for said litt valve, flexible bellows sealing the lii't valve operating member to the valve housing, a force multiplying connection) between the iioat lever and the connection limiting the on ot heat the valve to avoid the deposit of lime on said valve. Y 38. In a boiler controller, a iloat housing havand water connections for application to a boiler, said housing having a lateral opening through which a oat may be introduced. a closure member for said opening. said closure having an aperture, said member tending outwardly therefrom at the sides oi' said aperture,.a rigid iloat lever pivoted on said lever belng'mounted for tilting motion, said the pivot out of con'tact with the contents oi' the housing, said lever having wardly from said pivot closure member and enclosing said pivotal mountcontrol device mounted on said housing andbe` ing operated by'said last named arm of the lever.

39. In a boiler controller, a iloat housing having steam and water pivot through said aperture and having afloat on its inner end within thehousing, a small diameter sealing the lever having pivot lugs ex-y sald'iuss,

an arm extending outa housing secured to said `ing and said last named arm oi' the lever, anda liit valve operating member, said laterally flexible metallic bellows sealing said a control device mounted on said housing and belever to the edges oi' said aperture whereby to ing operated by said last named arm oi the lever, keep the pivot out of contact with the contents and a boiler control device rigid with said closure o! the housing, said lever having an arm extendmember, said device having a movable operating 5 ing outwardly from said pivot, a housing secured element actuated by said. last named lever arm. 5

to said closure member and enclosing said pivotal mounting and said last named arm of the lever, OSCAR F. CARLSON. 

